HERITAGE PRESERVATION, INC.

Minutes of Meeting, 3-27-06

Those present:  Jim Ingrum, Judy Tiffin, Betty Champion, Mary Peck, Lee Freeman, Bill McDonald, Bob Torbert, Hester Cope, Vince Brewton, Brett Wood, Robert Redd, Billy Warren

1. Bill McDonald made the motion that the minutes of the 12-19-05 and 2-27-05 meetings be approved.  Jim Ingrum seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
   
    
2. Billy Warren presented these treasurer’s reports:
   1. For January 15, 2006:

                                                               i.      Checking Account balance                                $5,416.87

                                                             ii.      Forks of Cypress Account balance                   3,223.28  +  11.40

                                                            iii.      Riverview Historic District balance                          99.43

 

2. For February 27, 2006:

                                                               i.      Checking Account balance                                $5,363.73

                                                             ii.      Forks of Cypress Account balance                   3,223.38  +  11.40

                                                            iii.      Riverview Historic District balance                          96.43

 

3. For March 27, 2006:

                                                               i.      Checking Account balance                                $4,913.73

                                                             ii.      Forks of Cypress Account balance                   3,223.38  +  11.40

                                                            iii.      Riverview Historic District balance                          93.43

 

Bill McDonald made the motion that the reports be approved.  Lee Freeman seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

 

3. Lee Freeman reported that all biographies of the 14 personages to be highlighted at the Cemetery Stroll are now complete.  The date for the Stroll is Saturday, May 13, 2:00 p.m., until 4:00 p.m.  Inclement weather date is Sunday, May 14.  Lee reported that the local drama troupe known as Random Acts Theater, directed by John Holcomb, will portray some of the personages.  These HPI Board members also volunteered to serve as actors:  Betty Champion, Mary Peck, Jim Ingrum, Brett Wood, Carolyn Waterman.  Bill McDonald made the motion that all proceeds from the Cemetery Stroll be used specifically for the restoration of the Florence City Cemetery.  Vince Brewton seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
   
    
4. Billy Warren reported that he and Jimmy Hill made a presentation on their book, A Walk Down Walnut, at the public library on Sunday, March 26.  It was accompanied by a power point which Jimmy had created.  With the conference room full (50+ people), the program was deemed successful.  Some people present took an actual tour of Walnut Street on their own following the presentation.
   
    
5. Following a discussion of the matter, Bill McDonald made the motion that HPI contribute $100 to UNA for the restoration of Rogers Hall.  Vince Brewton seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
   
    
6. Following a discussion regarding the possibility of HPI’s contributing an amount of money to the Wheeler Rifles’ fundraiser for the Joe Wheeler home, it was agreed that Billy Warren should make sure that the proceeds will go toward the actual restoration of the home before HPI makes a contribution.
   
    
7. Billy Warren distributed copies of a letter from Dan Howard thanking HPI for its letter of support for the restoration of Rogers Hall.  Dr. Howard will use the letter as part of a grant application to secure funds for the restoration project.
   
    
8. Billy Warren noted that, according to an article in a recent issue of the Times-Daily, UNA officials are planning to construct the new science building behind Flowers Hall.  All Board members present agreed that this location is ideal.
   
    
9. Bob Torbert stated that the Florence City Cemetery restoration project is in need of some immediate funds to reconstruct a retaining wall and to perform other needed repairs.  Bill McDonald made the motion that HPI contribute $500 to this project.  Betty Champion seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
   
    
10. There was discussion of the possibility of investing some of HPI’s funds in a money-making account.  This matter will be discussed further at a future meeting.
    
     
11. Robert Redd displayed visuals of the projected River Walk between the Renaissance Tower and O’Neal Bridge which has begun construction and is slated to be completed within 18 months.  He proposed that a status of Franklin D. Roosevelt be installed at a certain point on the River Walk to commemorate FDR’s impact on the Tennessee Valley.  During a discussion of the proposal, Board members showed great enthusiasm for it and suggested that it would require the involvement of the Mayor and, perhaps, of such people as Bud Cramer, Richard Shelby, Jeff Sessions, Bobby Denton, Tammy Irons, and Hermon Graham. Probably, it would also require the blessings of the FDR Foundation.  To start the process, Vince Brewton made the motion that Billy Warren write a letter to Mayor Irons indicating HPI’s interest in the project.  Jim Ingrum seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
    
     
12. Robert Redd agreed to do the research necessary to learn how HPI might contact the Roosevelt family and/or the FDR Foundation.
    
     
13. Brett Wood displayed an ancient Jack Daniels bottle which he discovered inside a wall during renovation work at his home.  He took it to Lynchburg, Tennessee, and discovered that the museum there owns only one of the bottles which, according to museum officials, is the original style used at the distillery.  Brett’s bottle has obviously survived some interesting times.  It is a treasure in its own right.  Hester Cope indicated that HGTV can probably use it on the program, “If Walls Could Talk.”